NOIDA: An expert committee set up to consider various aspects on groundwater extraction beyond its natural levels in Noida has recommended that it should be diverted for agriculture or artificial recharge of water tables. The report, recommending methods for dewatering and control of groundwater at construction sites, was presented by Noida Authority to National Green Tribunal on Thursday.

The five-member committee that compiled the report has also highlighted the need to form a special panel at Noida Authority to evaluate and approve ‘dewatering management plans’ before implementation of projects. The committee prepared its report—a copy of which is with TOI — after conducting surveys in Noida. Apart from officials of Noida Authority, the committee also comprised a former member each from Central Ground Water Board and UP Groundwater Department.

As part of dewatering plans, the committee has recommended geo-technical investigations and hydrological analysis of project sites prior to commencement of construction to determine soil status and characteristics and exact positions of groundwater level. “Dewatering can be done after purification to designated discharge points, which may be sewers, streams, infiltration or recharge ponds or injection well recharge system,” the expert committee has recommended.

The committee compiled the report after the tribunal issued directions to the Authority for preparing a detailed plan highlighting methods for judicious use of groundwater and its recharge in Noida. The tribunal had issued the directions while hearing a case in which it was alleged that indiscriminate extraction of groundwater in Noida is fast depleting its levels, besides threatening shortage in the long term.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Use-groundwater-from-realty-sites-for-agriculture/articleshow/27262199.cms